District 207 honors grad-nominated parents

June 25, 2013|By Bob Chiarito, Special to the Tribune

One parent of one senior from each high school in District 207 was recently recognized as being a parent of the year. Shown here, from left, are: Alex Gonzalez, Lourdes Gonzalez, Roxanne Sammarco, Paige Sammarco, Thanyalak Kochmit and Pariyamon Thaprawat. (Handout, District 207)

Three parents of high school seniors have been honored by Maine Township High School District 207.

For the third year, a parent from each of its high schools who has demonstrated a commitment to education and the well-being of students was honored as "Parent of the Year" at a recent board meeting. Seniors at each school were invited to submit a nomination in the form of an essay explaining whey their parent should be considered, according to David Beery, director of communications.

"The board recognizes the important and vital role played by all of our parents," he said.

Gonzalez's son Alex just graduated from Maine East and will attend Illinois State University in the fall.

"I was blessed because of the atmosphere of Maine East," Gonzalez said. "It has a very diverse population, there is a lot of opportunities for the students and great teachers and administrators." She said that while she knew she would be honored, she did not know what was written in the essay by her son until it was read at the ceremony.

"My other son read it beforehand and said, 'you're going to cry.' He was right," Gonzalez said.

In this essay, Alex Gonzalez wrote that "my mother had helped me a lot throughout the years with school and other activities -- she just doesn't stop. She attends every one of my events even when she is busy." He also wrote about how she encouraged him to apply for the Golden Apple Award, which he won.

"My mother is an outstanding person and a great role model. I hope when I'm older I can use some of her attributes to be a great person like herself," he wrote.

At Maine West, Kochmit was honored for her work that was summarized by her daughter Pariyamon.

"My mom is the type of parent that gives and never restricts my ambitions. With her help I was able to explore the many interests I had and she was always there by my side through failure and success," wrote Pariyamon Kochmit, who plans to attend the University of Illinois in the fall.

The award was very special and surprising.

"I didn't know what she wrote until that day. It was a great moment in my life," said Thanyalak Kochmit.

At Maine South, Roxanne Sammarco, was praised by daughter Paige for her generosity and willingness to give time and attention to her daughters and their education, according to a district press release.

"She's very involved, she's an avid listener, she gives great advice and deserves this award as recognition for everything she has done for me," Paige Sammarco wrote in her essay.